The Wood River Valley is experiencing a gym boom. In just the last few years, four brand-new indoor fitness facilities have opened up in Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey, with a fifth currently under construction and a sixth on the horizon. From luxury to basic to 30-minute quickie, each of these clubs seems designed to fit a different niche and pocketbook. Fortunately for part-time residents and local jetsetters, most of them either allow you to pay on a short-term basis or freeze your memebership for a reduced fee. Here, a cut-to-the-chase guide to the burgeoning gym scene.
Ketchum/Sun Valley
High Altitude Fitness
Type of club: Basic/no frills.
The story: Husband-and-wife team Kevin and Holly Mora launched this low-key workout facility in January 2000 to give locals a more affordable alternative.
Cost for weights and cardio only: about $55 per month, $135 for 3 months, $450 per year. Combination rates for aerobics classes. Group rates available. No initiation fee.
Size: 5,500 square feet.
Fitness: Cardio and weight training equipment; full schedule of aerobics, spin, yoga and Pilates mat classes; personal training.
Amenities: Locker rooms.
Freeze Policy? No, but you can pay on a monthly or seasonal basis.
Added Bonous: A real local scene.
Sun Valley Athletic Club
Type of club: Full-service.
The story: Built in 1984, this friendly gym in the heart of Ketchum is a longtime local favorite—and, until recently, it was the only game in town.
Cost: About $55 per month, plus $100 to $250 initiation fee.
Size: 16,000 square feet.
Fitness: Cardio and weight training equipment; full schedule of aerobics, spin, yoga, Pilates mat and aquatics classes; indoor swimming pool; personal training.
Amenities: Locker rooms, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, childcare, massage, physical therapy.
Freeze policy? Yes.
Added Bonus: Richard Odom’s wildly popular yoga classes.
Zenergy at Thunder Spring
Type of club: Luxury.
The story: Part of the Thunder Spring complex in Sun Valley, this plush, high-end club entered the scene in February 2002.
Cost: About $125 per month, plus $2,500 initiation fee.
Size: 40,000 square feet.
Fitness: Cardio and weight training equipment; full schedule of aerobics, spin, yoga, Pilates mat and aquatics classes; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; squash court; personal training; two indoor clay tennis courts (accessible for an extra membership and monthly fee or on a pay-as-you-play basis).
Amenities: Polished locker rooms, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, childcare, spa treatments, café bar.
Freeze Policy? Yes.
Added Bonus: Spectacular mountain views.
Hailey
Blaine County Fitness
Type of club Basic/no frills.
The story: Recently renovated and expanded, this down-to-earth neighborhood gym has been in operation for 20 years.
Cost: $30 to $55 per month, no initiation fee.
Size 3,000 square feet.
Fitness: Cardio and weight training equipment; full schedule of aerobics, yoga, Pilates mat and spin classes; racquetball court; personal training.
Amenities: Locker rooms.
Freeze Policy? Yes, for two months only.
Added bonus: In-house physical therapist.
Cari’s Hair Care & Day Spa
Type of club: Basic/no frills.
The story: Opened in December 2002, this under-the-radar gym is part of a day spa offering hair services and spa treatments.
Cost: $42.40 per month, no initiation fee.
Size 2,300 square feet.
Fitness Weight training equipment, a treadmill, elliptical trainer and stationary bike. Aerobics, sculpting or Pilates mat classes on weekdays.
Amenities: Showers.
Freeze policy? No, but you can buy punch cards or pay monthly.
Added Bonous: You can go straight from the weight room to a massage room.
Curves
Type of club: 30-minute express.
The story: New as of June 2003, this fitness franchise offers a fast, total-body workout in an unintimidating, all-female environment.
Cost: About $29 per month, plus one-time service fee.
Size: 1,300 square feet.
Fitness A 30-minute strength and cardio circuit that alternates between hydraulic resistance machines and cardio stations.
Amenities: Changing rooms.
Freeze Policy? Yes, for medical reasons only.
Added Bonus: Eliminates the “no time” excuse.
Coming Soon
The Club at Copper Ranch
Type of club: Full-service.
The story: The owners of High Altitude Fitness have signed on to run this new, family-oriented health club being constructed on the site of the old Ironwood. Expected completion in January 2005.
Cost: About $55 to $60 per month, plus $150 initiation fee.
Size: 35,000 square feet.
Fitness: Cardio and weight training equipment; full schedule of aerobics, aquatics, yoga, Pilates mat and spin classes; pool; three indoor tennis courts (open October through April).
Amenities: Locker rooms, steam room, childcare.